Trailer: Lead Like an Olympian, Judith Clarke, Chief Health Equity Officer, Stony Brook Health Syst

How can you lead like an Olympian?

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, VP for Equity & Inclusion, Chief Health Equity Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System. A 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist and former collegiate champion, Judi now leads transformational change in health equity and inclusive excellence.

Judi shares how an Olympic mindset strengthens leadership:

1. Focus on execution, not outcomes.
In high-pressure moments—whether on the Olympic track or in a policy meeting—Judi emphasizes executing core strategies over fixating on the outcome. “You don’t go into a race thinking ‘I must win.’ You focus on form, precision, and the next hurdle.”

2. Use form and fundamentals as your anchor.
Fatigue will come. Pressure will rise. In those moments, leaders must default to form—policy, strategy, and best practices—not panic. “Just like runners lean into form when tired, we lean into structure: What’s the process? Who’s the decision-maker? What’s needed for buy-in?”

3. Game theory mindset: anticipate, don’t react.
Judi approaches leadership with the same strategic thinking as athletic competition—asking, What are the key factors that lead to success? She maps out opposition, support, timing, and execution steps, treating meetings like races with defined phases and checkpoints.

4. Strategy and relationship go hand in hand.
Even when it’s not a “win,” clarity around process and relationships sustains momentum. “You may not get consensus, but if you know the rules—it’s a majority vote, or a policy practice—you keep the path clear for next steps.”

Thank you, Judi, for showing us how Olympic discipline meets inclusive leadership.

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